Dialysis

Dialysis is a treatment: it does not cure kidney disease or make kidneys well again, and it does not fully replace your kidney function. Unless you receive a kidney transplant, you must continue to have dialysis for the rest of your life. Two types of dialysis are used to treat the later stage of chronic kidney disease:

Normal kidneys do a number of jobs besides removing wastes from the blood. They also regulate the levels of certain minerals like calcium and phosphorous. In addition, the kidneys produce hormones which control other functions in the body. Although dialysis treatment can remove wastes and excess water, medications are needed to control the levels of these minerals and to replace the hormones.